November 29 2022

Project on Atal Bhujal Yojna

MRIIRS is working with Haryana Irrigation and Water Resource Department (IWRD) Panchkula, Haryana, India in implementing Atal Bhujal Yojna Haryana as District Implementation Partner for Faridabad, Rewari and Palwal districts of Haryana State of India towards sustainable development of groundwater through participatory Ground Water management by formulating Gram Panchayat level Water Security Plan.

Atal Bhujal Yojana is to demonstrate community-led sustainable ground water management which can be taken to scale. The major objective of the scheme is to improve the management of groundwater resources in select water stressed areas in identified states. It is a community-centric program and emphasizes the importance of community understanding, preparation and ownership of their water security plans. The Atal Bhujal Yojana which is implemented in seven water stress states of India, including Haryana, is funded by Govt. of India and World Bank. 14 water stress districts of Haryana are in target under Atal Bhujal Yojana. MRIIRS, MRCAWTM has been engaged by Atal Bhujal Yojana Haryana as District Implementation Partner (DIP) for 7 blocks of 3 districts (Faridabad, Palwal and Rewari) under two clusters:

A. Cluster 6: for District Faridabad and Rewari

B. Cluster 7: for District Palwal

Under this initiative it has been envisaged the preparation of community led Gram Panchayat level Water Security Plan and ensuring its implementation through convergence of various government programs for 296 Gram Panchayats. The main objective of this program is to restore or revive the groundwater scenario in the targeted villages in participatory approach. This involves supply side and demand side management of water through various intervention, behavioral changes, awareness and improved water use efficiency. The project involves strengthening of infrastructure for measurement and monitoring and capacity building of community level managers. The program is of 4 year duration started in July 2021 and expected to complete by June 2025. Total budget provision for this work allocated for MRIIRS is Rs. 7.78 crore.

The detailed work done and till date progress of both clusters A and B is appended with the following inclusions: